Waterpillar

ABSTRACT

A pedal-powered aquatic vehicle is a positively buoyant aquatic vehicle with a lightweight frame and driven flotation wheels on either side of the occupant(s) seat. A pedal drive is incorporated into the lightweight frame to produce propulsion through a chain driven multi-geared system coupled with a drive shaft. Outer drive wheels rotate the flotation driven wheels to propel across water and level ground. Paddles are affixed to the driven flotation wheels. Steering linkages disengage drive wheels independently to provide steering.

[0001] This application stems from provisional application No. 60/398,552-filed Jan. 14, 2002 in the name of David Paul Hart with the title of the invention being “Waterpillar”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a man-powered aquatic vehicle, and more particularly a pedal driven aquatic vehicle in which the driven part also provides the flotation and is operational on land.

[0004] 2. Background of the Art

[0005] Numerous man-powered aquatic vehicles have been developed in the past that can be grouped into a few categories. An example of paddle wheel driven aquatic vehicles with the paddle wheel or wheels mounted in, beside, or behind a displacement hull and driven by pedals are presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,752. Examples of bicycle type water-bikes with two hulls and a bicycle drive to a paddle or propeller are presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,864 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,237. Examples of tricycles with ribbed flotation wheels are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,717, U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,351 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,249,084. Examples of aquatic vehicles using driven recirculating treads for propulsion are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 883,018 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,593.

[0006] Each of these vehicles can be improved upon:

[0007] Since the average person develops less than one fourth horsepower with their legs, a man-powered vehicle must reduce drag at all costs to be able to attain even a reasonable speed.

[0008] Because fixed flotation such as pontoons or hulls create a great amount of drag when forced through the water.

[0009] Because paddle wheel propulsion is very inefficient due to the energy wasted forcing the water down and the lifting it up during the paddle cycle.

[0010] Because propeller propulsion is more efficient than paddle wheels but inherently expensive and prone to damage when operated at the shoreline as is generally the case with water toys and is inherently dangerous as a propeller is driven at speeds which can cause injuries if contacted.

[0011] Because displacement hull vehicles require rudders for steering which again add more drag and rudders are only marginally effective for directional control on man-powered vehicles.

[0012] Because the tricycle configuration requires one of the wheels to act as a rudder thus adding drag and limiting directional control.

[0013] Because the energy required to overcome the mechanical losses at the numerous mechanical connections when using recirculating treads for propulsion greatly reduces that remaining for forward propulsion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The goal of the present invention is to provide an energy efficient man-powered aquatic vehicle.

[0015] Another object of this invention is to provide a man-powered vehicle capable of moving across water with little effort for the pilot.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a man-powered vehicle without stationary hulls.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a man-powered vehicle not requiring a rudder for directional control.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle that can be driven and maneuvered on land as well as on the water.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle with minimal moving parts and minimal maintenance.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle that is extremely stable in all water conditions.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle that cannot capsize.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide a uniquely exciting water toy capable of performing stunts do to its ability to pivot around its longitudinal axis.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a watercraft that is easily disassembled and deflated and shipped as a kit in collapsed form.

[0024] Another object of the invention is promote ease of launching and storage by enabling the invention to travel on both land and water.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to ensure all replacement parts are inexpensive, easily accessed, and fastened in such a manner so as to be easily and quickly replaced.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to provide a safe bumper-car type man-powered craft for recreational use at camps, resorts, and vacation homes.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to be easily towable by another vehicle.

[0028] Another object of the invention is enabling the vehicle to carry two passengers by extending the support braces and adding another seat support/crank assembly and associated chain/drive gear/derailleur.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to provide a man-powered vehicle that can be scaled down in size to accommodate children.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

[0031] Sheet 1 is a side elevation view showing a man operating an aquatic vehicle incorporating this invention.

[0032] Sheet 2 is a perspective view of the aquatic vehicle.

[0033] Detail A-A is a section drawing of the driven rail/flotation wheel assembly and illustrates a manner for attaching flotation wheel to driven rail. Also shown is the attachment of ethyfoam paddles (hydrophobic) to the flotation wheel by means of hook and loop fasteners sewn to the strap. Also shown is the fabric covering of the inflated tube version of flotation wheel.

[0034] Sheet 3 are top, side and front views of the assembled frame of the aquatic vehicle.

[0035] Diagram 1 is an exploded view of the vehicle support frame showing disassembled frame components.

[0036] Diagram 6 is a detail of end frame.

THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] Referring to drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, present aquatic vehicle comprises a support structure for the pilot shown generally in drawing 2, sheet 2 composed of a light weight framework 50 supporting a pilot seat 33. The framework is of a material such as anodized aluminum or carbon fiber to not only withstand stresses but to resist corrosion from saltwater. Tubular foam flotation may be installed on the exterior of the framework for added buoyancy in case of a puncture of the flotation wheels as well as for protection of the pilot when operated in rough water.

[0038] Support structure 50 is more specifically comprised of a pair of identically fabricated end frames 40, connecting load transfer frames 28, 29 (with connection point 34), and 30, seat/crank support frame 8, seat 33, axle 6, axle bearing supports 32, pedals 1, cranks 2, drive sprocket 3, driven chain 4, driven multi-sprocket 5, driven wheel 19, forward support 17, pivot lever 13, actuating cable 15, hand levers 16, axial rollers 11, transverse load guide rollers 10, and driven rail lower guide rollers 35.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment the driven flotation wheel assembly is composed of a driven rail 20, inflatable bladder 21, fabric covering 22, structural attachment strapping 24 which is attached to fabric covering 22 and attachment hooks 36, hydrophobic drive paddles 26, hook and loop paddle attachment straps 25, and paddle attachment retainer loops 23 affixed to structural attachment strapping 24

[0040] In the preferred embodiment the end frames 40 are fabricated in such a way to allow the majority of the mechanical components to be installed prior to shipment. Critical to the preferred embodiment is the ability or the vehicle to be shipped in standard, low-volume boxes or containers via common commercial carrier allowing for economic delivery to destination.

[0041] The framework 50 is carried on land and water by rotatable drive wheels 19 (positioned both port and starboard of pilot) riding on driven rails 20 which are attached to inside diameter of flotation wheels. Paddles 26 attached to flotation wheels provide locomotion.

[0042] Forward motion is accomplished by the flotation wheel assembly being rotated by means of contact friction with the rotatable drive wheels 19. The drive wheels are rigidly attached to the axle 6 allowing power to be transmitted from the pedal crank 1 through the drive sprocket 3, through the drive chain 4, to the driven multi-sprocket 5 which is rigidly affixed to the axle 6.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic vehicle can efficiently be operated on land or at varying cruising speeds in the water by incorporating a chain drive 4 operating on variable sized chain sprockets 5. The pilot can shift through various gearing ratios by means of a derailleur 7 to adjust power requirements to match terrain or speed.

[0044] To enable differential steering, the end frames 40 incorporate a pivot lever 13 consisting of bearing pin 12 a and free wheeling dolly wheel 12. Pivot lever 13 is actuated by hand lever 16 through cable 15 to effectively rotate pivot lever 13 axially around pivot lever pin 18 forcing dolly wheel 12 onto driven rail 20 thereby transferring load of support frame and occupant onto end frame 40 and disengaging contact between drive wheel 19 and driven rail 20. Port and starboard end frames 40 are identically fabricated. When pivot lever 13 is actuated on either port or starboard end, the associated flotation wheel assembly ceases rotation and the vehicle turns in the direction of the disengaged drive wheel 19. Spring end 39 a of spring 39 is attached to the pivot lever 13 and spring end 39 b is attached to end frame 40 allowing the reaction of spring 39 to retract pivot lever 13 to its static position when not being actuated by hand lever 16.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the support frame swings freely between port and starboard flotation wheels. However, the center of gravity of pilot and support frame is sufficiently lower than the center of rotation of the flotation wheel to allow the force imparted by the rotatable drive wheels 19 onto the driven rails 20 to translate into rotation of the flotation wheels creating forward motion.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic vehicle is adaptable to carry two pilots by replacing front load transfer frame 29 with an extended version having two forward support connection points 34, replacing rear load transfer frame 28 with an extended version, replacing axle 6 with an extended version, adding an extra seat/crank support frame 8, adding an extra chain drive assembly 1,2,3,4,5, and add an extra forward support 17.

Man-Power Aquatic Vehicle Parts List

[0047]1 pedal

[0048]2 cranks

[0049]3 drive sprocket

[0050]4 driven chain

[0051]5 driven sprocket

[0052]6 axle

[0053]7 derailleur

[0054]8 seat/crank support frame

[0055]10 transverse load guide rollers

[0056]11 axial rollers

[0057]12 free wheeling dolly wheel

[0058]12 a bearing pin

[0059]13 pivot lever

[0060]15 actuating cable

[0061]16 hand levers

[0062]17 forward support

[0063]18 pivot lever pin

[0064]19 driven wheel, rotatable drive wheel

[0065]20 driven rail

[0066]21 inflatable bladders

[0067]22 fabric covering

[0068]23 paddle attachment retailer loops

[0069]24 structural attachment strapping

[0070]25 hook and loop paddle attachment straps

[0071]26 hydrophobic drive paddles

[0072]27 attachment loop on structural attachment strapping

[0073]28 rear load transfer frame

[0074]29 front load transfer frame

[0075]30 bottom load transfer frame

[0076]32 axle bearing support

[0077]33 pilot seat

[0078]34 forward support connection point

[0079]35 lower guide roller

[0080]36 attachment hooks

[0081]39 spring

[0082]39 a spring end

[0083]39 b spring end

[0084]40 end frame

[0085]50 support structure 

What is claimed is:
 1. An aquatic vehicle comprising A support frame having two end frames, connecting load transfer frames, and a seat/crank support frame A seat supported in the support frame thereof: A pedal drive mounted in front of said seat on said frame An axle A drive chain and sprocket affixed to and extending between said pedal drive and said axle. A pair of drive wheels rotatably mounted at opposite ends of said axle A pair of circular driven rails retained by outer frames of said support frame A pair of flotation wheels attached to said circular driven rails A set of paddles attached to each flotation wheel A rigid linkage with dolly wheel pinned to each end frame
 2. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the flotation wheels are large enough to provide ample buoyancy for the entire vehicle with only a small portion of the wheel submerged which allows the drive force vector to be parallel with the contact surface.
 3. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein paddles are mechanically connect to flotation wheels at a point just below the waterline for maximum thrust and efficiency.
 4. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the large flotation wheels replace displacement hulls as the means of flotation, thereby eliminating associated drag of fixed displacement hull(s).
 5. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the paddles are composed of buoyant material (such as a closed cell foam or other buoyant hydrophobic material) which assists in buoyancy without adding ballast as paddles typical to former art.
 6. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the paddles are easily detachable and replaceable by means of hook and loop strap or similar fastening device.
 7. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the paddles are oriented in a manner to provide the thrust vector parallel with the water surface without impeding land transport.
 8. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the flotation wheel construction is of inflatable bladder with fabric covering.
 9. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the flotation wheel construction is of rigid plastic, metal, or fiber composite construction.
 10. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the said drive wheel frictionally contacts and rotates the driven circular rail.
 11. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the said free-wheeling dolly wheel on each end frame is actuated by cable or mechanical linkage.
 12. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the said dolly wheel on each end frame, when actuated, disengages frictional contact between drive wheel and driven rail thus enabling differential steering due to the respective flotation wheel ceasing to be driven.
 13. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the said dolly wheel, when fully actuated, can be made to frictionally contact both the driven rail and the drive wheel at the same time thereby reversing rotation of the flotation wheel assembly.
 14. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 13, wherein fully actuating both said dolly wheels simultaneously will effectively drive the vehicle in reverse.
 15. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the end frame retains the driven hoop with guide rollers.
 16. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the guide roller axles function both as axles and as assembly pins for attachment of outer frames to connecting load transfer frames enabling collapsibility by minimizing mechanical complexity.
 17. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the axial load carrying rollers have an inside diameter such that the upper two load transfer frame members act as axles for the rollers, thereby eliminating the need for additional structure.
 18. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the said circular driven rail is mechanically attached to the driven flotation wheel.
 19. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the driven hoop and associated flotation wheel is removable/replaceable by removing a single guide roller (lower outer guide roller).
 20. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the said support frame is composed of metal tube.
 21. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the said support frame is composed of fiber laminate or polymer material.
 22. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the said pedal drive transmits power through a variable ratio transmission to enable appropriate power delivery on land and water.
 23. An aquatic vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the structure can be easily disassembled/deflated to enable it to be shipped in standard, low volume boxes.
 24. An aquatic vehicle comprising A support frame having two end frames, connecting load transfer frames, and two seat/crank support frames Two seats supported in the support frames thereof An axle Pedal drives mounted in front of said seats on said frames Drive chains and sprockets affixed to and extending between said pedal drives and axle. A pair of drive wheels rotatably mounted at opposite ends of said axle. A pair of circular driven rails retained by outer frames of said support frame A pair of flotation wheels attached to said circular driven rails A set of paddles attached to each flotation wheel A rigid linkage with dolly wheel pinned to each outer frame 